Local Ukrainian performer Jenny Arata says she would be overcome with grief, if it weren’t for the support of her community.
The past several weeks have been very hard emotionally, as she watches the violence of the Russian military invasion unfold in her home country, where some of her relatives remain. After surviving a bombing raid, Jenny’s sister and her children fled to Poland, leaving their husband and father behind to abide by President Volodymyr Zelensky’s order for men age 18 to 60 to stay and aid in Ukraine’s military efforts. Relatives and friends who didn’t escape are taking shelter in basements, and helping their neighbors as best as they can.
“We’re aware, every hour, of what’s going on and what they’re doing. And we’re just so passionate to help them as much as we can,” Jenny says.
She and husband Vittorio Arata, who perform together as the Skating Aratas in V – The Ultimate Variety Show at the V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, say rallying for Ukraine and humanitarian aid is giving them motivation to put one foot in front of the other during this crisis.
Having raised $55,000 in partnership with their church earlier this month, the Aratas are just getting started in their show of support. They’ve assembled eight Ukrainian performers for a March 31 show at V Theater to benefit humanitarian efforts. Cast members from Absinthe and Cirque Du Soleil shows were eager to participate.
When introduced to the audience, each act will have an opportunity to highlight their organization of choice.
In the show, and throughout the ongoing conflict, the Aratas are focusing on Republic Pilgrim, an orphanage in southern Ukraine that they say has become “a war shelter” not just for children, but anyone who needs help and medical attention.
The couple also hope to send more funds to volunteers “on the ground”—friends with whom they are communicating as often as possible. They say one of their friends in the restaurant business in Kyiv has organized a group of people to make 3,000 meals a day for those who are homebound.
“That’s why we are trying so hard to raise the money directly, because we have people there already,” Vittorio says.
The Aratas say they’ve felt support not only from their circle of colleagues, but also from audiences cheering at the sight of a Ukraine flag, and from the city in general.
“I have goosebumps, and tears in my eyes,” Jenny says of her reaction to audiences “screaming” for the flag and Ukrainian performers, “as hard as it is to be onstage and perform … because all I want is to just be, crying, pretty much, and depressed. But as soon as I come out onstage, and I feel that energy and support, it gives me that drive to go—just to go in and finish strong.”
Those unable to attend the performance but interested in donating can do so at bit.ly/3Llxiou.
UKRAINIAN BENEFIT SHOW March 31, 9 p.m., $65-$90. V Theater, vtheaterboxoffice.com.
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